Quote #5

HAMM And without going so far as that, we ourselves… (with emotion) …we ourselves…at certain moments… (Vehemently.) To think perhaps it won't all have been for nothing! (1.345)

Is Hamm's willingness to consider such possibilities in order to sustain himself a sign of strength or a sign of weakness? Are these the thoughts that keep Hamm going or is there something else? Is Hamm motivated by fear or hope?